Shipshape Underway

Sequel to "Shipshape" which gives us an update of the Shipshape tour to coincide with exhibition at the National Maritime Museum (25 Nov 2003 – 12 April 2004).

The introduction by Kath Wood from firstsite begins:

"I build my paintings to withstand a force nine gale.
James Dodds' approach is refreshingly direct. He takes as his subject matter the specific charting of the East of England's coastal areas and now declining boat yards....
Firstsite is delighted to publish this accompanying volume to its Shipshape publication (2001) on the occasion of this new exhibition of James Dodds' work at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. This publication - Underway - marks the development of Dodds' work over the last eighteen months and celebrates his national tour. It is an integral part of firstsite's work to create new opportunities for artists based in the East of England, promoting their work nationally and internationally."

Also included is Martin Newell's new poem Shipshape 2. Here is an extract: The poet has gone to visit the artist's muse, the Pioneer, being re-built in an Essex barn:

"Now up the ladder, past the strakes
Been newly-spiked, the poet takes
A walk inside the wooden whale
And wonders such a beast could sail
Its oaken ribs, gargantuan beams
The red-lead decks and tarry seams
Rebuilt by skinny Essex boys
Who stood beside it, look like toys
And these are shipwrights? Yes it's true
The artist, once a shipwright too
Has done this work and understands
The alchemy in human hands "

48 pages full colour
linocuts and paintings by James Dodds
200mm x 200mm
£6.50

Text © Martin Newell and Katherine Wood 2003
Images © James Dodds 2003
Designed by Catherine Clark
ISBN 0-948252-16-2
firstsite 2003

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